The document outlines several common codes and conventions found in horror films. It discusses character archetypes like the final girl, villain, and victim. It also covers common iconography such as makeup, special effects, and camera techniques. Additionally, it mentions typical themes around gender representation and settings in isolated, creepy areas. Finally, it provides an overview of the common three-act narrative structure used in horror films to tell the story.

1. Codes and Conventions of
Horror Films

2. Character Types
• The Final Girl
(fearless, clever, bold)
• Villain
(evil, human, animalistic, cunning, supernatural,
sinister)
• Hero
(courageous, daring, strong)
• Victim
(vulnerable, weak, frightened)

3. Iconography
• Heavy make up
(blood and gore)
• Special effects
(lighting and shadows, sound effects)
• Use of cameras
(camera angles e.g. high angle shot, close up,
tracking/panning shot)

4. Themes and Representation
• Male villain (typically)
(Men are stereotypically represented as
dominating and threatening)
• Female victim (typically)
(Women are stereotypically represented as
vulnerable and weak)
• Themes: supernatural and slasher

5. Settings
• Isolated areas
(unaccompanied – harder to call for help)
• Old houses
(creepy, haunted, creaky floors and doors)
• Graveyards
(terrifying, dark)

6. Narrative
• Used for story-telling
(helps audience learn the story about the film, could
hint at plot)
• Three act structure:
1. Focuses on central characters and introduces the
setting.
2. Setting unleashes violence, characters fight back.
3. End of film includes final showdown between villain
and hero/final girl with varying results.

7. Visual codes/Camera work and sound
• High-angle – makes character look powerless
• Close-up – reaction of actor/actress
• Music – helps set mood of film
• Voices can be used to reflect fear, tension and
panic.
• Sound effects are also used in the film e.g.
crows, bells and bats.